The chemical essence of Polyether L-42 (CAS number: 9003-11-6) is a block copolymer of polyoxypropylene (PPO) and polyoxyethylene (PEO), with the commercial name Poloxamer 122. Its molecular structure adopts the classic "triblock" configuration—a hydrophobic polyoxypropylene chain segment in the middle, connected at both ends by hydrophilic polyoxyethylene chain segments, forming an A-B-A type block copolymer structure. This unique molecular design imparts both hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, resulting in excellent surface activity.
As a nonionic surfactant, Polyether L-42 does not ionize in water, and its surface activity originates from hydrogen bonding between the ether oxygen atoms in the molecule and water molecules. The product appears as a colorless to light yellow transparent liquid, with molecular weight and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB value) precisely controlled, making it outstanding in low foaming, defoaming, and foam suppression, while also possessing good emulsifying, wetting, and dispersing abilities.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Polyoxypropylene polyoxyethylene block copolymer |
| CAS number | 9003-11-6 |
| Synonyms | Poloxamer 122 / Poloxamer 122 |
| Product type | Nonionic surfactant |
| Molecular configuration | PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymer |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Flash point | >200°C (closed cup) |
Due to the unique block copolymer structure of Polyether L-42, which gives it extremely low foam characteristics and rapid foam breaking ability, it is particularly suitable for low-foaming and foam-controlled industrial cleaners, automatic dishwasher rinse aids, metalworking fluids, and other fields where foam interference is not allowed. At the same time, its excellent emulsifying and dispersing performance also makes it an ideal choice for wetting and dispersing agents in coatings and inks, pesticide emulsifiers, and penetrating agents in textile pretreatment.